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Steve Chilton, garden expert from LeisureBench, said: “Using a pressure washer is a great way to get rid of a lot of dirt and grime on a patio at once, however using one frequently can

actually be damaging your patio as the pressure is too strong for the material. “This can encourage a breakdown of the patio slabs, as well as damage their surface which can leave them

looking in worse condition than before. “There are two main ways to clean a patio or paving slabs without a pressure washer. These are with warm, soapy water or with white vinegar. “The

first option is great for stains that aren’t too strong, while using white vinegar should be used on harsher stains or patios that haven’t been cleaned in a long time. “It’s important to

note that white vinegar is acidic, so there is a chance that this can damage the surface of the paving stones if used incorrectly or used on paving stones that don’t need such a deep clean.”

To clean paving slabs with warm water, start by completely clearing it, making sure to move outdoor furniture as well as plant pots and other ornamental features. Next remove any weeds

which are growing in the cracks, before removing any other loose debris such as leaves, grass and mud. Steve recommended mixing washing up liquid into warm water to create your cheap and

natural cleaning mixture, using a stiff brush to fully saturate this mixture into the patio or paving. He added: “Make sure to go over any parts that are particularly dirty or dark in

colour, scrubbing over them until they are clean. “Rinse with water from a hosepipe to wash away the dirt. Add more mixture and brush into the paving again if required. Remember to rinse it

off after every scrub, leaving it to dry completely.” To clean the patio or paving slabs with white vinegar, make sure to clear the patio from furniture, weeds and dead leaves like before.

However, instead of mixing washing up liquid with water, mix white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio to create the cleaning mixture. Brush this mixture into the paving slabs before rinsing

it off completely, which is especially important when using white vinegar to clean. White vinegar is a great eco-friendly option and works effectively to remove stains due to its acetic acid

content. It can be picked up from stores for as little as £1, and can also be used to clean garden furniture, treat weeds and clean windows. Make sure not to use white vinegar concentrated

onto any patio slab as it may ruin the material of the stone.